EIB Global drives climate risk management and green finance in North Macedonia through GFS programme

EIB Global drives climate risk management and green finance in North Macedonia through GFS programme

(IN BRIEF) EIB Global is driving the Greening Financial Systems programme in North Macedonia alongside the National Bank of North Macedonia, helping strengthen climate risk management and expand access to green finance. A survey of more than 300 enterprises found that only 7% of respondents had strong knowledge of the green economy, while 30% were unfamiliar with the concept, though more than a quarter saw competitive advantage in adopting greener practices. The programme has introduced the Climate Risk Navigator tool, is developing a climate risk disclosure framework for banks by 2025, and is providing technical assistance to four major banks. EIB Global Representative Björn Gabriel and NBRNM Governor Trajko Slaveski both highlighted the initiative as a cornerstone for strengthening financial resilience and supporting the transition to a sustainable economy.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 8-Sep-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — EIB Global, through its Greening Financial Systems (GFS) programme, is strengthening climate risk management and sustainable finance in North Macedonia in partnership with the National Bank of the Republic of North Macedonia (NBRNM). By combining market research, targeted training, and technical assistance, the programme equips regulators, banks, and enterprises with tools to align with global sustainability standards and support the country’s green transition.

A survey of more than 300 medium and large enterprises across key industries revealed that awareness of the green economy remains limited. Only 7% of respondents considered themselves experts, while 30% were entirely unfamiliar with the concept. Despite this, over a quarter identified competitive advantage and revenue growth as the main benefits of adopting greener practices. Insights from the survey and follow-up discussions are now feeding into the development of a climate risk disclosure framework for banks, expected to be finalised in 2025.

The programme has already introduced the Climate Risk Navigator tool, enabling the central bank to assess climate exposures and guide financial institutions in integrating climate and environmental considerations into their operations.

“The GFS programme goes beyond technical assistance; it’s a strategic investment in North Macedonia’s financial resilience. By assessing market conditions and equipping regulators and banks with tailored tools to manage climate risks, it fosters innovation, investment and inclusive growth,” said Björn Gabriel, EIB Global Representative to North Macedonia.

Governor of the National Bank of North Macedonia, Trajko Slaveski, emphasised the role of cooperation: “Technical assistance through our partnership with EIB Global plays a pivotal role in strengthening institutional capacity, fostering knowledge exchange, and adopting best international practices. This support is instrumental in enabling an effective transition to a green economy and ensuring preparedness for the challenges that lie ahead.”

Beyond regulatory support, tailored assistance is being delivered to Komercijalna Banka, NLB Banka, ProCredit Bank, and Sparkasse Bank. These institutions are integrating climate scenarios into their strategies, helping them identify green investment opportunities among SMEs and advise clients on sustainable practices.

Launched in May 2024, the programme is funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) on behalf of the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) and contributes to the NDC Partnership.

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SOURCE: European Investment Bank